Current use and potential role of radioguided surgery in brain tumours

Purpose The aim of this mini-review is to discuss the possible role of radioguided surgery in brain tumours and, in particular, in gliomas.Methods A research in the PubMed/Medline database was carried out to identify relevant studies evaluating radioguided surgery in brain tumours.Results Radioguided surgery results using gamma (gamma)-emitting tracers and gamma-detection probes were summarised. Most importantly, the review included preliminary findings with novel approaches, particularly those relying on the use of beta (beta)(-)emitting isotopes and a dedicated beta probe.Conclusion Although few data are available in the current literature, the use of beta probes could be useful to accurately identify surgical margins in brain tumours. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies are required.